I need a team to enjoy, that means a contest!

[SydBarrett]

Hey everyone how's it going. I've been kind of depressed lately that Atlanta went to Winnipeg. 10 years ago I started watching hockey because of a rookie named Ilya Kovalchuk. Just the way he played made me wish I could and inspired me to be a hockey fan. I collected him and supported the Atlanta Thrashers through the hard times and in good up until he was traded. Even after that, I tried as hard as I could to support them, I truly believe that Evander Kane will be a fantastic player in the NHL. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest has instilled a serious sense of loyalty to me, our teams are never good but when they are we all rally around them. I don't have that anymore now is that my favorite team became a Canadian one. It's nothing against Canadians, I have no problem with you guys, I like you guys (well, most of you ). Anyways, now that I live in Southern California I find myself forced between the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks, but over the past three years neither team had stood out to me (that doesn't mean you can't change my mind).

Here's where the contest starts. I want you in around 200 words (minimum, feel free to go over and I must admit as a writer I encourage it) to tell me why I should support your team. I promise to be a loyal fan and watch every game and support players through the good and the bad. Should you make the best case, I will send you a few goodies. I don't have a surplus of good cards laying around as I got rid of most of them when Atlanta got rid of Ilya. Here's the only catch, it has to be an American team. I might consider Vancouver simply because I grew up in the Seattle area but it's going to have to be a really good argument. Tell me what your team has going for, good players to watch and good players to watch for in the future. I have to admit, I like the underdog I always have. Also, since I am from the Pacific Northwest if you can make an argument that the team I like or the one you're going to want me to has the best shot of becoming a Seattle franchise that has another good shot. Anyways get at it guys. The contest ends by the start of the regular season.

I am posting this on two forms, I will notify the winner and make sure everyone (on both forms knows who won).

EDIT: In all fairness, and in true fashion of lulz if you happen to be from Canada-or wherever and one of your favorite teams is Canadian, even though by default you're never going to win me over how about you try something else. Tell me your new most hated team. What team do you hate watching when more than anything.

 

[jeff152380]

If your a hockey fan, you have to be a fan of the Montreal Canadians! There is no more excitement for a hockey team in the world then in Montreal. The Canadians don't go out and buy every player in they can get their hands on like the Yankees... but they are the Yankees of Hockey... Most kids growing up in Canada/USA dream of playing in the Bell Center...Watch the games, listen to the crowd.. or live its unreal... nothing like it in any other sport.... They have several Rivals.. All teams in the Canada are looking up to the Canadians... Bruins vs Canadians is a far better watch then Yankees vs Red Sox.. I think its the best rival in sports.. no matter the records, the Canadians bring their A game vs the Bruins....It doenst matter where you live.. you can like the Habs.. The fans base is crazy all over the globe!!!!!! I dont have to talk about the Players with the Canadians.. its all about the TEAM... so if your looking for a TEAM not just names on the jerseys.. its simple Montreal Canadians!!!

 

[SydBarrett]

If your a hockey fan, you have to be a fan of the Montreal Canadians! There is no more excitement for a hockey team in the world then in Montreal. The Canadians don't go out and buy every player in they can get their hands on like the Yankees... but they are the Yankees of Hockey... Most kids growing up in Canada/USA dream of playing in the Bell Center...Watch the games, listen to the crowd.. or live its unreal... nothing like it in any other sport.... They have several Rivals.. All teams in the Canada are looking up to the Canadians... Bruins vs Canadians is a far better watch then Yankees vs Red Sox.. I think its the best rival in sports.. no matter the records, the Canadians bring their A game vs the Bruins....It doenst matter where you live.. you can like the Habs.. The fans base is crazy all over the globe!!!!!! I dont have to talk about the Players with the Canadians.. its all about the TEAM... so if your looking for a TEAM not just names on the jerseys.. its simple Montreal Canadians!!!

I'm not sure if this is a serious post, or you just didn't read mine. If this is out of irony, it's funny and you have achieved a laugh.

 

[Titans74]

Oilers.

 

[PhillyPuckNut]

I'll take a stab since this is my first check in on the hockey side since football started.

Since you're living in southern Cal, the first team I would think of for you to follow would be the Kings. Now, while you said to encourage you to follow my team, hear me out. First of all, I feel that location is very important. Maybe once you go to a game, you'll feel differently about following the Kings. Second, with the addition of Mike Richards to their line-up, they have the opportunity to change some minds this season. They don't have a bad list of players, but they don't really have true leadership. If the organization can get Richards out of his party lifestyle (I doubt this, but stranger things have happened), he may be that presence they need. I could never try to sway someone to follow a team that's on the other side of the country. That would be selfish and not fair to a hockey fan, especially since they are in opposite conferences and I don't even think the Flyers travel to LA or SJ this season. Give the Kings a chance, they may surprise you.

 

[Shane.K]

If you wish to be perceived as a legitimate hockey fan, my suggestion to you, is to follow the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes have won the Stanley Cup in the past, and therefore have immediate credibility. In addition, their team is set up to be quite strong for the coming seasons. They have a true superstar quality and leadership in Eric Staal. In addition they have a stellar goaltender entering the prime of his career in Cam Ward. You also have the young-star talent of Jeff Skinner, who is highly collectable in the hockey card world, and is a franchise pillar for the future.
In choosing to follow the Carolina Hurricanes, you will not look like an incompetent "homer" fan who blindly follows the closest team to their homestead like an unsuspecting sheep. You will be known an an intelligent hockey fan, who enjoys watching an exciting young team, and will have a card collection that will continually rise in value.

 

[tropicaltwinsfan]

You should become a Florida Panthers fan. Because really, we can use a few more. If you’re ever in South Florida visiting, you can get really good, really cheap tickets (especially if you only need 1) and the parking is free. I grew up a Minnesota North Stars fan, and then a Wild fan. When I moved to South Florida I thought I’d see a Wild game (got a ticket 2 rows from the glass for $14). I went to see the Wild, but came home a Panthers fan as well. I’d forgotten how much fun the games are in person. Even though I live about 100 miles from the Bank Atlantic Center, I did get to around 10 games last year.

I believe Dale Tallon is going to make us a playoff team. Eventually. God knows when. We’ve got a new coach and some good, young players like Eric Gudbranson. David Booth is pretty good, and it will be interesting to see how Jack Skille will do with a full year with the team. I’m hoping it will be a good season, and that they will at least be fighting until the end for a playoff spot. But who knows? Could be a trainwreck!

Trainwrecks can be fun, too!

 

[weavermania]

Not trying to enter the contest, just saying that there is another team in So Cal. One that has actually won a Stanley Cup

 

[MojoDan]

Not trying to enter the contest, but applaud you for your generosity.

 

[gonzagacubs]

If you are looking for a team to root for, look no further than the Chicago Blackhawks.

An Original Six franchise. This is an exiciting team to watch. They are only a year removed from being Stanley Cup Champions. This team has made the playoffs the last 3 years. They have a young nucleus, mainly comprised of homegrown talent. They are led by their captain Jonathan Toews, who was allowed to wear the "C" beginning in only his 2nd season in the league. Toews is also a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner, which is handed out to the most valuable player during the playoffs. On defense, they are led by a former Norris Trophy Winner, Duncan Keith. He is an elite defenseman, who also rocks the "A" on his jersey. Then you have the charasmatic Patrick Kane. Playmaker might be an understatement with him. How could you forget the other Alternate Captain, Patrick Sharp. This guy always seems to come up with the key goal. Huge goals during the Cup run. They have got a young goaltender who seemed to find his way last season, Corey Crawford. Need proof, just watch last year's game 7 in Vancouver. Dude was standing on his head. Unbelievable performance.

Being an Original Six franchise, you have to have tradition. A lot of great players have left their mark playing for the Indian. While they may not have been competitive every year, many Blackhawk teams had multiple future Hall of Famers. Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Tony Esposito, Jeremy Roenick, Denis Savard, Chris Chelios, the list goes on and on. Heck, even the great Bobby Orr wore the Indian Sweater for a short time. All great players, and some even still are active within the organization.

This team is looking to win the Stanley Cup every season. Besides, how can you root against the most recognizable logo in professional hockey? How can you root against a city, so passionate about their hockey, who threw an Indian Sweater on the famous Michael Jordan statue that sits outside of the United Center? Who also placed two jet black Blackhawks helmets on the giant lion statues outside of the famous Art Institute of Chicago?

I don't live in Chicago (live in Tulsa, Oklahoma), but I am passionate about my team, and so should you.

 

[SydBarrett]

Gonzagacubs Great arguement, pm me your address.